Getting Ready to Host Holiday Guests

When it comes to hosting holiday guests, organization and preparation are the key to staying stress-free and sane. Plus, you want your guests to truly feel at home and enjoy their vacation with you! Here are some simple steps for creating a fun, relaxed visit together.

Prepare for younger guests

If kids are coming over, create a dedicated play area for them. Even though the holidays are for togetherness, understand that there will be times when youngsters will want to escape by themselves, at least for a little while. Stock this area with toys, games, crayons, and drawing paper.

Take care of overnight visitors

For friends and family who are staying overnight, make them feel doubly welcome by setting out towels (two bath towels and one hand towel per guest) and a personal toiletry kit or basket, complete with washcloths, shampoo, toothpaste, moisturizer, and hand sanitizer. Be sure to give them clean, crisp sheets for the bed and plenty of blankets, as well.

Let your guests lend a hand

When guests arrive, they will invariably ask if they can help. Make a list of tasks ahead of time that are integral to the day, but simple enough to accomplish without a lot of explanation. It’s a day to share, not wear yourself out by doing everything yourself.

By making it easy for your guests to pitch in, they will feel like they are contributing, which will enhance the strong feeling of community. It will also give you a chance to enjoy their company, instead of shooing them out of the kitchen.

Celebrate old traditions and create new ones

The holiday season is one of the few times in our hectic lives where every generation is represented. Honor your family’s traditions and pass them down the family tree.

Remember to be flexible, too, because you never know when the opportunity for a new tradition might arise. If someone says, “We should try this again next year,” make sure that you do!